Types of Experiments Flashcards
(14 cards)
What is an experiment?
A study where the researcher manipulates variables to determine whether it causes a change in another variable, to establish a cause-effect relationship
What are the 4 different kinds of experiments?
- Laboratory
- Field
- Natural
- Quasi
What is a lab experiment?
An experiment that uses a carefully controlled setting and standardised procedures
Strengths of lab experiments
Carefully controlled
- reduces risk of extraneous/confounding variables
- high internal validity
Easily replicated
- can check for reliability of data
Limitations of lab experiments
Low ecological validity
- data cannot be generalised beyond the research setting
Low mundane realism
- artificial setting/stimuli
What is a field experiment?
A research method that uses SOME controlled elements of traditional lab experiments, but takes place in natural/real-world settings
Strengths of field experiments
Higher mundane realism than lab
- environment is more natural
- less risk of demand characteristics
Higher ecological validity
Limitations of field experiments
Reduced control
- higher risk of extraneous variables
Ethical issues
- participants may not consent
What is a natural experiment?
A research procedure that occurs in the participant’s natural setting that requires NO manipulation by the researcher
Strengths of natural experiments
High ecological validity
- involves the study of real-world issues
Better ethics
- researcher doesn’t manipulate variables themselves
- e.g. studying children who were institutionalised
Limitations of natural experiments
Scarce opportunities
Pre-existing sample bias may influence results
Ethical issues
- often conducted after traumatic events
- high number of participants withdraw afterwards
What is a quasi experiment?
A research procedure that is based on an existing difference between people (age, gender)
- unmanipulated IV
Strengths of quasi experiments
Useful when it’s unethical to manipulate the IV
Increased realism
Limitations of quasi experiments
Confounding variables are more likely
- less reliable data
IV must occur naturally
- scarce opportunities
